Hair Care News

Choosing The Best Relaxer for Black Hair

Posted on June 21, 2009 with No Comments

Thinking of relaxing?

Choosing the best relaxer is very important for the health of your hair.  Fear not!  With the right relaxer and proper maintenance your hair can be healthy and strong. An experienced hairstylist is most qualified to identify which chemical treatment is right for your hair.

Of course, the texture and curl of your hair are key considerations in selection of product and processing time. But more importantly, your history of hair processing will determine which chemical relaxer can be used on your hair.

Some relaxers, when combined with others, even when months have passed since your last relaxing process, will break protein bonds in such a way that disastrous hair breakage results. So it’s important to see a licensed stylist for this chemical service.

Relaxers typically need to be touched up every 6 to 8 weeks depending on the rate of your hair growth. This is a process where the relaxer is only applied the “new growth”.

The three main active ingredients found in chemical relaxers are sodium hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide and amonium thioglycholate.

Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, and has been blamed for causing damage, while guanidine hydroxide and amonium thioglycholate are promoted as “gentle” or “no-lye” formulas.

The truth, however, is that all three of these chemicals will cause severe follicle and scalp damage if they are misused; and all three can produce good results when used correctly.   

When it comes to lye relaxers my favorites are Mizani and Mizani Butter blend. I’m also a fan of Affirm. When it comes to No-Lye hands down I would choose Phytospecific Phytorelaxer Index 1; it’s pricey but the end result is fabulous!

Self Relaxing

My suggestion is that if you don’t have experience in self relaxing…DON’T! Self relaxing is very tricky and over processing is very common for the inexperienced.  It’s especially important when applying to new growth. One of my favorite products for self-straightening is the Organic Root Stimulato kit that, when applied correctly offers salon results.

Black Hair Maintenance

It’s important to wrap hair each night and cover hair with a silk scarf before going to bed. Apply light moisture daily or apply a light silicone spray.  Wash and Condition weekly with moisture enriched products such as HHP Emu Oil Shampoo and conditioner. Apply a heat protectant, such as HHP Spray Straight to smooth and straighten and Blow dry.  Deep condition monthly and apply protein based products as needed or as recommended by stylist.